Rating: 
Summary: It'll inspire you to get out more often
Review: I've lived in Bellingham for most of my life. I know the Cascades well. I'm a
very experienced hiker and mountaineer. That negative-minded Mike who put this
book down isn't comparing apples with apples. It is true that many spectacular places can be accessed with some cross country travel and scrambling. But the implication that you can't get great views from just trail hiking is absurd! Most hikers are not up to the challenges of off trail travel.
A lot of people want trails and need trails. And there's a terrific network of
trails in the Cascades. The Copelands' book is an invaluable guide for the vast
majority of hikers.What Mike doesn't tell you is how much work it takes to go beyond the
end of the Perry trail and climb up those mountains unaided by trail. Dickerman
has a moderately-ascending, switchbacking trail that makes the 3,700 foot
ascent pleasant. There are many resources available to aid people in off trail pursuits. As people gain the conditioning and experience to do the scrambles that Mike has suggested, more power to them! However, the Copelands book is meant for hikers, weather they are beginners or experienced, telling them of trails that will be well worth their time and effort. In addition to having thorough and accurate trail descriptions, this book is
literature: intelligent, enjoyable, inspiring. And it's obvious the Copelands
love hiking, as this quote displays: "At Whatcom Pass you'll stand in awe of cloud-bursting Whatcom Peak and heart-stopping Challenger Glacier. For those
whose place of worship is the mountains, hiking this grand loop (Trip 88) feels
like a pilgrimage."
Rating:
Summary: It'll inspire you to get out more often
Review: I've lived in Bellingham for most of my life. I know the Cascades well. I'm a very experienced hiker and mountaineer. That negative-minded Mike who put this book down isn't comparing apples with apples. Most hikers would be appalled with the difficulty of the scrambles in the book that he thinks is so good. Most people want trails and need trails. And there's a terrific network of trails in the Cascades. The Copelands' book is an invaluable guide for the vast majority of hikers. What that Mike dude doesn't tell you is how much work it takes to go beyond the end the Perry trail and climb up those mountains unaided by trail. Dickerman has a moderately-ascending, switchbacking trail that makes the 3,700 foot ascent pleasant. Copelands didn't write their book for a handful of scramblers. In addition to having thorough and accurate trail descriptions, this book is literature: intelligent, enjoyable, inspiring. And it's obvious the Copelands love hiking, as this quote displays: "At Whatcom Pass you'll stand in awe of cloud-bursting Whatcom Peak and heart-stopping Challenger Glacier. For those whose place of worship is the mountains, hiking this grand loop (Trip 88) feels like a pilgrimage."
Rating:
Summary: A tremendous effort
Review: In addition to the glowing comments already posted (all of which are true), I would like to add that the book includes many trails in the Glacier Peak Wilderness region of Washington. It does not simply cover North Cascades National Park.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Trail Guide
Review: Living in the shadow of Mt. Baker, I am blessed with the opportunity of hiking the North Cascades all summer long. As a result, I've hiked many of the trails in this book, from "Premier" to "Don't Do." In my opinion, the Copeland's advice is right on track. Another reviewer said something to the effect of "if you read their book you'll miss a lot of opportunities." True, but no guide can cover every trail, and of the 104 trails featured, only 15 are classified as "Don't Do." If you're not familiar with the region this book can help you discover the real gems, which is worth the cost of the book if you only have a short time to spend in our little slice of heaven.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Trail Guide
Review: Living in the shadow of Mt. Baker, I am blessed with the opportunity of hiking the North Cascades all summer long. As a result, I've hiked many of the trails in this book, from "Premier" to "Don't Do." In my opinion, the Copeland's advice is right on track. Another reviewer said something to the effect of "if you read their book you'll miss a lot of opportunities." True, but no guide can cover every trail, and of the 104 trails featured, only 15 are classified as "Don't Do." If you're not familiar with the region this book can help you discover the real gems, which is worth the cost of the book if you only have a short time to spend in our little slice of heaven.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Trail Guide
Review: Living in the shadow of Mt. Baker, I am blessed with the opportunity of hiking the North Cascades all summer long. As a result, I've hiked many of the trails in this book, from "Premier" to "Don't Do." In my opinion, the Copeland's advice is right on track. Another reviewer said something to the effect of "if you read their book you'll miss a lot of opportunities." True, but no guide can cover every trail, and of the 104 trails featured, only 15 are classified as "Don't Do." If you're not familiar with the region this book can help you discover the real gems, which is worth the cost of the book if you only have a short time to spend in our little slice of heaven.
Rating: 
Summary: Fundamentally flawed
Review: This book is fundamentally flawed. The authors place an enormous value on great views, and then they limit themselves to on-trail, snow-free hiking. You simply can't get the great views that way. Almost any of the trips in Goldman's "75 Scrambles" book trump almost any of the "Premier" hikes in this book. But not everybody wants to go off trail? Of course not -- but if trail hiking is your thing, you'll pretty quickly get annoyed by the commentary. The authors constantly go on about "boring" hiking trails. As an example, consider Perry Creek v. Mt. Dickerman. They rave about Mt. Dickerman, but suggest that you really shouldn't bother with Perry Creek. My opinion is that Perry Creek is a much more interesting trail, and also that Mt Stilliguamish and Mt Forgotten (both reached off-trail from the end of the Perry Creek trail) are much more interesting than Mt. Dickerman. In summary: if you like views, try scrambling. If you like hiking, get your advice from someone else who likes hiking, not these authors.
Rating: 
Summary: Good information, but TOO opinionated
Review: This is a good guidebook for what they choose to cover. I have hiked the North Cascades for more than 25 years, and know the region well. While the authors are entitled to their opinions, and are up front about their prejudices, they dismiss offhand many wonderful destinations. I realize that they are attempting to only "hit the high points," but can't always agree with their appraisals. That being said, it is still a good resource for hikers interested in exploring the exquisite and sublime scenery of the North Cascades.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic book: if only there were others like it!
Review: This is a tremendous resource, particularly for the occassional hiker/backpacker. One could say that _all_ of the Cascades are beautiful--and they are. But too often, books by the Mountaineers make everything sound wonderful, even if its been clear-cut, has limited views, or is crowded. I've never had a bad time in the Cascades, but some hikes are less spectacular than others. If you're only heading into the woods a few times a year, why not shoot for the very best? I cherish this book, and very much appreciate its candor and descriptions. It is, without a doubt, the best trail guide I have ever read. Let's hope for more of these guides. Happy hiking!
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic book: if only there were others like it!
Review: This is a tremendous resource, particularly for the occassional hiker/backpacker. One could say that _all_ of the Cascades are beautiful--and they are. But too often, books by the Mountaineers make everything sound wonderful, even if its been clear-cut, has limited views, or is crowded. I've never had a bad time in the Cascades, but some hikes are less spectacular than others. If you're only heading into the woods a few times a year, why not shoot for the very best? I cherish this book, and very much appreciate its candor and descriptions. It is, without a doubt, the best trail guide I have ever read. Let's hope for more of these guides. Happy hiking!
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